During the Dance
"It is your turn to say something, Mr. Darcy. I have complimented the dance. Now you must say something of the room or the couples."
"Is that the rule?"
"It would look odd if we were entirely quiet."
"What if I ask a question instead of commenting?"
"A question will serve."
"To your father's task, what do you do if you cannot find something admirable about a person? Does your punishment ever end if you cannot find something admirable?"
"My father is not averse to us asking others for help. Jane is a great source for finding something good about a person. Father only asks that we verify the quality with our own eyes."
"Perhaps you could help me then. I met your cousin Mr. Collins earlier."
"Yes, I can see your trouble with Mr. Collins. I found myself struggling mightily during our dance."
"It did not seem enjoyable."
"No. But, Mr. Collins does have admirable qualities if you look hard enough. He is a kind man. He always has something complimentary to say to my mother each day. He is also very loyal to your aunt."
"Hmm, I did notice the loyalty during our conversation, although I was not at the time kind enough to attribute that quality to it. This task is more difficult than it seems at times."
"I did warn you, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy fell silent upon that point and seemed to be choosing his words carefully. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.
"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. IT is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated,"
At that point, Darcy broke through Sir Lucas' speech. "You are very kind to say so, sir. And you are entirely correct. My partner does me now discredit."
With that answer, Sir Lucas seemed satisfied and continued on his way. Darcy returned to Lizzie and resumed their conversation.
"On the topic of admirable qualities. I wanted to speak to you of something, but I am afraid it will sound like I am not trying to find those admirable qualities."
"My father would say that if you do not have something nice to say, you shouldn't say anything."
"I think that is generally a good outlook for life, however, what do you do when you wish to warn a person of danger?"
"Is there a danger, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, I believe so. When we met in Meryton the other day, you and your sisters were speaking with several of the officers."
"Ahh, you wish to warn me of Mr. Wickham."
"Did he say something to you. Or do something?"
"He did imply that all was not right between you. I have tried my best to overcome my curiosity and not pry. But otherwise, he seemed congenial enough."
"He is congenial and makes friends very easily. But, please, be careful around him. He is.. He is not always… He gambles too much and leaves debts everywhere. And he is not gentlemanly with the servant women."
Lizzie was silent for several moments of the dance, thinking on what Mr. Darcy had told her.
"Miss Elizabeth? I am sorry. I do not wish to fill your ears with gossip or insults. I just do not know how else to phrase it and I am afraid that he might hurt you or your sisters."
"I am not offended, Mr. Darcy. I did not see anything of the sort when I met the man, but your superior experience does give you the right to warn others. You have posed a bit of a conundrum for me. I do not know how to apply my father's teachings when someone might be a danger to my family or my neighbors. Is it gossip if what you say is true? Is it insulting if you only mean to protect others?"
"I can warn your neighbors, so that it is not you passing along second-hand information."
"I am afraid I am going to have to take a page out of Jane's book and ask 'what if he means to reform himself here?' Would it be fair to sink his character before he has a chance? Joining the militia does not seem something a bounder would do."
"I can not believe that he has good intentions. But perhaps that is my own resentment. I once told you that once someone has lost my trust, they cannot gain it back. What he has done to me. I cannot forgive it."
"What do you want to do?"
"I do not know. My first impulse is to just leave. I had planned to return to London before the holidays anyway. That would give me the perfect excuse to just avoid the problem. On the other hand, I do not wish to leave him here to hurt the local women and the merchants."
"Would not Colonel Forster provide some control? Mr. Wickham cannot be the first militia man to have discipline issues."
"Maybe. Wickham can be very good at charming people though. I do not know if they would realize the issues until after he has left. My father always believed he was all that was good."
"Would you be willing to speak with my father? You do not have to take his advice, but he has always guided me well."
"I will. I might speak to Bingley as well. I am learning that I need to see things from other people's points of view."